New councilman looks to continue in Totowa tradition

Mayor John Coiro swears in Councilman Anthony Picarelli to fill an unexpired term on the borough council, while his parents Mary Picarelli and Domenic Picarelli look on.

TOTOWA - The borough council's newest member is looking forward to serving his community.

Anthony Picarelli, 25, a Pace University Law student, who graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in political science and history, was appointed to fill the unexpired term left by James Niland.

"My plan is to continue the great tradition we have in Totowa," Picarelli said. "I plan to bring my youth and enthusiasm to Totowa...and I'm going to work hard every day for the taxpayers in Totowa."

He is a member of the Totowa Republican Club and has held positions as a university senator and member of the campus council at Rutgers University.

"I'm just honored and humbled the mayor and council and (Republican County Committee) chairman thought highly enough of me to appoint me to this position," Picarelli said.

"I know I'm a young guy and I have a lot to learn, but I'm surrounded by great people," he added.

The Republican County Committee selected three individuals for the council to choose from. The other candidates were Lynn Kabana and Giovanni D'Ambrosio.

Mayor John Coiro said that all the candidates were good, but that the council saw that Picarelli is enthusiastic, young and can bring the borough some different ideas.

"He is intelligent, articulate, friendly, and wants to serve his community," Coiro said. "So it's all the right attributes."

Along with Councilwoman Carolyn Fontanella, Picarelli will be running in the November elections. Although the two are running unopposed, they are still campaigning door to door. Council President Phil Puglise said all members of the council and the mayor campaign every election.

"I'm sure he is going to be a good councilman," Puglise said. "He has been out campaigning with us and he seems to be getting into the swing of things."